Bipolar disorder, also called manic depressive disorder, causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy level and behavior. The signs of manic depressive disorder vary widely in their severity and frequency. In general, manic depressive people experience three different mood episodes: mania, depression, and a mixed state of the two. The symptoms vary depending on the mood.

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Steps

Method 1 of 3: Spot Signs of Mania

1

Watch for a decrease in the amount a person sleeps. Persons suffering from mania tend to feel very energetic despite the fact that they are not getting enough sleep.

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2

Pay attention to the speed and consistency of the person's speech. During a manic episode, people often talk so quickly and changes topics so frequently that others are not able to follow the conversation.

3

Look for extreme feelings of optimism or unrealistic beliefs in the person's own abilities. This is sometimes seen in impaired judgment, recklessness or impulsive behavior.

4

Notice if the person seems unfocused, distracted and unable to concentrate.

5

Be aware that if someone experiences hallucinations or delusions, he or she may be experiencing an extreme form of mania. These episodes sometimes lead to misdiagnoses of schizophrenia.

Method 2 of 3: Spot the Signs of Depression

1

Watch for changes in sleeping patterns. During episodes of depression, a person may sleep more or less than normal, and sleep could be broken and interrupted.

2

Pay attention to feelings of hopelessness, sadness or emptiness. During the periods of depression, a person suffering from bipolar disorder may not be able to find anything in life that gives him pleasure. He may lose interest in things he once cared about, including sex.

3

Look for signs of fatigue, lack of energy and overall sluggishness.

4

Notice if the person's appetite and weight have changed. Depression may cause a bipolar sufferer to eat more or less than normal.

Method 3 of 3: Spot the Signs of a Mixed Episode

1

Watch for conflicting symptoms that occur at the same time. A mixed episode of manic depressive disorder includes symptoms of both mania and depression.

2

Pay attention if depression is accompanied by agitation, anxiety, irritability or restlessness.

3

Look for combinations of high energy and low mood during mixed episodes.

4

Know that the risk of suicide is greatest when a person is suffering from a mixed episode.

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Tips

Those with bipolar disorder should seek to eliminate stress, eat a balanced diet, get regular physical exercise, practice relaxation techniques, keep a mood journal and join a support group.

Some people who suffer from manic depressive disorder may have seasonal mood changes the same as other seasonal affective disorders (SAD).

Warnings

If you spot the symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself of someone else, it is important to see a doctor right away. Left untreated, bipolar disorder will progressively get worse.

Although some manic depressive people swing quickly from one mood episode to another, some people stay in a mood episode for longer periods, making it harder to spot the mood swings.

Treatment is an ongoing process that typically requires a combination of medication, therapy, emotional support and lifestyle changes. Antidepressants alone are not typically successful in treating this disorder.